Best Zoo in Mount Soledad

"The San Diego Zoo is San Diego’s most popular attraction and renowned for conservation efforts. Having visited many zoos across the country and globe, ours is no doubt among the best in the world (some might say the best). Highlights include the pandas, koalas, Polar Bear Plunge, Children’s Zoo (temporarily closed for renovation), Skyfari Tram, Africa Rocks and more."

"(And, no, I’ve not missed San Diego Zoo – see my thoughts on the zoo and Sea World below). You can read more about the Bilboa Park Museums here."

"This not-for-profit aquarium and zoo connects kids with the animals and plants of the California coast. Located on the Sweetwater Marsh National Wildlife Refuge in Chula Vista, the Living Coast Discovery Center offers family-friendly activities and events such as shark, ray, turtle, and eagle feedings; guided trail hikes; Overnight Adventures; and VIP Animal Encounters. Seasonal exhibits promote wildlife conservation and educate young visitors about their impact on the environment."

"This nonprofit discovery center is there to provide environmental education related to coastal resource conservation. You park in a parking lot and bus takes you over to the center. Once there you can see the sharks, visit the sting ray touch tank, and see the bald eagles they have there."

"This is located in the Sweetwater Marsh Unit of the San Diego National Wildlife Refuge in Chula Vista and is a popular choice for school trips. The experience here is pretty unique. You get to feed bat rays and have meet-and-greets with reptiles."

"The Lost Forest is a fun little area packed with extensive trails that wind through exhibits and aviaries. These trails are home to animals from the rainforests of Asia and Africa, and wind their way up into the canopy as well as along the forest floor, with arboreal animals displayed above and ground dwellers below. You’ll find monkeys, barbirusas, tigers, great apes, okapis, and several various species of exotic birds."

"Guests will feel like there are in the rain forest when they enter the Lost Forest. The Lost Forest is in the northeast corner of the Zoo. Some animals in this area include hippos, tigers, okapi, otters, birds and primates."

"The Asian Passage is south of Panda Canyon and is a simulation of a tropical Asian rain forest. This scenic passage includes grizzly bears, snow leopards, and sun bears. This spectacular area also features the Sun Bear Forest, which resembles a southeast Asian rain forest, and the Hawaiian Native Plant Garden."

"The Asian Passage area includes the Sun Bear Forest, Grizzly Bear exhibit, and more. It’s a fun area to explore, and isn’t quite as big as Africa Rocks."

"Elephant Odyssey is one of the most well known parts of the park. It’s a huge area that’s dedicated solely to several beautiful African and Asian elephants. The Elephants are free to roam among large areas, and it also includes the Elephant Care Center where you may see a zookeeper caring for one of them."

"The Elephant Odyssey is home to the African and Asian elephant habitat. This area includes the majestic elephants along with the Elephant Care Center and Fossil Portal. Guests can also see lions, jaguars, California condor, camels, and the Malayan tapir."

"If you’re wanting a healthier meal or snack, take a look at the menu from Arby’s in Point Loma Heights and Double Black in Gaslamp."

"Rollin Roots offers four mouthwatering entrees that are available as a sandwich, loaded fries or as a rice bowl to give their customers exactly what they want. From spicy to tangy flavors, founder Avonte Hartsfield makes sure the public can find something they can enjoy at his eatery. “I hope people can see how great tasting vegan food could be and how accessible it could be,” he said."

"This one, you guessed it, is the epicenter of best activities for kids in San Diego. Balboa Park in Gaslamp Quarter has 17 museums that alone will keep the whole family busy for a whole day, at least. Activities like Sketch Aquarium and Reconnecting to Home have age restrictions."

"This unique museum collaborates with contemporary artists to create one-of-a-kind art installations. The exhibits include playhouses, clubhouses, and climbable towers. Kids can interact with the exhibits and engage in active play as they would at home."

"A new model of children’s museum whose mission is to stimulate imagination, creativity and critical thinking in children and families through inventive and engaging experiences with contemporary art."

"Evoking an Asian street market feel, Bang Bang features three separate concepts in one space - one part asian fusion restaurant, one part sushi bar and one part "theatre" which hosts live music, DJs, movies, and is home to the largest disco ball (5.5 feet wide) west of the Mississippi. Guests are transported through Bang Bang via a tunneled staircase entrance reminiscent of a Tokyo subway, complete with Tokyo subway sounds streaming through hidden speakers. Backed by nightlife impresario, Johnny Shockey and LED, Bang Bang offers unparalleled entertainment with some of the hottest up and coming DJs, inviting guests to come for dinner and stay the rest of the night."

"The venue is situated in Gaslamp District and is an Asian inspired place offering an Asian-fusion cuisine which pairs perfectly with the cocktails that they serve. They have three different spaces and have enough space for birthday parties, corporate events and other gatherings. The interiors are stunning, eye-catching and also feature tributes to Bruce Lee, Hello Kitty and Godzilla!"

"Bistro d'Asia provides Asian fusion and sushi in a family-friendly atmosphere with outdoor tables that welcome dogs. Popular menu choices include Siam lettuce wraps, Peking crispy duck breast, egg drop soup, Mandarin steak salad, dancing scallops, Mongolian style beef, and moo goo gai pan. Opens at 11:30am Monday thru Saturday and is closed on Sunday."